Why visit Vrindavan? Again? Linguists say people need to hear a word repeatedly before it’s secured in the brain. That’s why I’m returning to one of the holiest historical cities in India: Vrindavan. Despite all the note-taking during my first visit, I need a refresher course. I don’t want to skim the surface. I want […]
Jahnavi on Tour I’ve always had a preference for female vocalists. Maybe because it’s easier for me to sing along. Or, because it’s easier to hear the subtle differences between my singing and that of my favorite chanteuses. When I listen to Jahnavi Harrison chant, as much as I may be right in tune with […]
As part of my gratitude practice, I repeatedly give thanks for my life during the 2020-2021 pandemic. While those closest to me stayed safe, I have numerous friends who lost a loved one to the Coronavirus. Living in the United States, I deposited stimulus and unemployment checks and lined up in April for my vaccines. […]
The American Heart Association dedicates February as a month to love and care for your heart health. I high five that. But, we need to love and care for our hearts from an emotional and spiritual aspect too. Nourish Your Heart: First Love Yourself That's why I designed my signature First Love Yourself workshops. These […]
Guest blog by Sandra Gomez de la Torre, (pictured above) a Kundalini Yoga instructor in Barcelona, Spain I rarely post guest blogs. However, this first-person story about the Kundalini Yoga community struck a chord. Sandra, aka Narayan Himat Kaur, wrote in Spanish. So please (try to) read her version. However, for the Spanish-challenged, scroll down […]
This is the 18th year that Grammy-nominated recording artist, Jai Uttal, and his classical Indian dancer yogi wife, Nubia Teixeira, run a Kirtan Camp. This camp is all about play. Playing and singing devotional chants, that is. Kirtan is an ancient practice. As part of bhakti (devotion), it is a branch of yoga that helps […]
Social distancing and quarantines are no fun. Fortunately, virtual sanghas are forming to keep us sane. For example, the other day, Gov. Cuomo mentioned an extremely heartfelt talk he had, virtually, with his daughter who was in self-isolation. Without a doubt, technology is providing us with a welcoming doorway. A bridge to keep us connected. […]
Bhakti is big for me. Devotion often expressed through group chanting, or kirtan, is my favorite of the yoga branches. So, my heart’s humming, knowing World Bhakti Festival is coming up. In Dallas. Feb. 28, 29, and March 1. World Bhakti Festival is a yoga and wellness festival. However, it features Bhakti leading lights Sean […]
Today is Thanksgiving. I don’t celebrate traditional Thanksgiving. Rather, I try to abide by the age-old Yoga Sutras. The lessons of the Yamas and the Niyamas. No stuffing myself on holiday fare. Not interested in Black Friday or CyberMonday. I don’t need anything. Rather than amassing more, I give. Seva (selfless service) is a part […]
In the Western world, too often, yoga means physical fitness practice. People focus on mastering a pose or hope to work up a sweat in a yoga class. But, that’s not what yoga really is. Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras wrote Sthira Sukham Asanam. To me, that means stillness in your seat or space. Sounds […]
The Namaste Counsel is hosting a WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT RETREAT with Sita Devi Dasi, September 21, as well as Community Kirtan on September 22. The retreat will focus on sisterly sangha and soaking up the prana in serene Wimberley. Sita Devi Dasi heads the Women’s Empowerment program at Radhanath Swami’s Govardhan Eco Village. The eco-village is […]
There may be a thousand people crammed in a large temple hall. If this were the U.S., it would likely be against the fire code. But we are in Mumbai, India. With 26,000 people per square kilometer. This is an oasis of spirituality. A temple filled with love, gratitude, and flowers. A golden altar houses […]